The Empire Conference picks its champion this Sunday with Syracuse at Stony Brook.

The Stony Brook Sea Wolves finished the Empire Conference season 6-0, with Syracuse right behind at 5-1. 

The two teams faced off September 26 at Stony Brook, with the Seas Wolves coming away 33-26 winners. This game promises to be just as tight.

What has helped Syracuse finish strong, said Hammerheads captain Angus Bishop, has been the team’s improved tackling, set piece play, and ability to keep possession. this is what helped them beat Colgate this past weekend to earn their place in the final 

“[We’ve] played well, but there are certainly a couple of areas that we will need to improve on if we are to beat Stony Brook,” Bishop said.

Syracuse’s deep three of Patrick Voorheis, Matt Magargee, and Ethan Palleschi has played well and continues to play well.

For Stony Brook, prop Jimmy Sheridan has taken control up front and Phil Salter keeps scoring key tries, but it’s been a team approach that has really made it all work.

In addition to play the Empire Conference championship game, both Stony Brook and Syracuse have committed to playing in the ACRC Bowl Series in two weeks. 

The winner of this conference will also be eligible to enter the DIAA playoffs in the spring. Last year, Stony Brook opted to concentrate on 7s, and #2 Empire team, Kings Point, entered the playoffs instead. If Stony Brook wins again, expect them once again to opt for 7s in the spring, so win or lose, Syracuse could well have, if they want, a national DIAA playoff spot.